How to Naturally Treat Shingles

Shingles can be really painful. They are characterized as viral infections that can lead to rash with blisters. Shingles can occur anywhere on the body and usually in children or young adults. Most of the time shingles appear on the right or left side of your torso as a single stripe.
The main cause for shingles is the varicella-zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox, but doesn’t necessarily appear the same time as the original infection. It can happen decades after that. If you’ve had chickenpox, most likely you still have the virus. It lies inactive in your body and may be reactivated as shingles.
Can shingles kill you?
Fortunately shingles are not life-threatening, but they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. The first time is always the most painful. The risk can be reduced with a vaccine, but it is best to treat it naturally in the early stages.

Natural Treatment

Appropriate treatment can lead to a short-lived outbreak. Just like normal herpes, this virus too thrives in people that have weak immune system, particularly if the ratio of L-arginine to L-lysine amino acids in a person is not appropriate. Since these amino acids come from foods, it is best to treat shingles through an appropriate diet. If your arginine levels are higher, the virus will thrive.
Eat More Foods with Lysine
Lysine rich foods are Asparagus, beans, green, pineapples, avocados, apricots, pears, apples, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, fish and all meats.
Avoid Foods with Arginine
Sugars, chocolate, peanuts, blueberries, blackberries, pecan, pumpkin seeds, grapes, cashews, Brussels sprouts, wheat germ and tomatoes.

Capsaicin
You can get the capsaicin compound from eating cayenne or chili pepper. It helps reduce the pain generated from shingles by blocking the pain signals from the nerves. You can get capsaicin through ointments. Apply the ointment on your shingles spots 4-5 times daily.
Cat’s Claw Extract
Find this extract and take 1,000 milligrams three times a day. It has anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions.
Garlic
If you want the best antiviral properties, consume garlic. You can also take garlic extract in the form of capsules. Take 2 capsules twice a day. However, it is best to mince garlic cloves and introduce them to your favorite dish.
Lemon balm
Also known as melissa, the lemon balm has anti-herpes properties due to the compounds known as polyphenols. Some say that this is the best herbal treatment for shingles. Apply lemon balm tea on your spots by mixing 2-4 teaspoons per coup in boiling water.
Reishi Mushroom Extract
This extract stimulates immune system and helps fight infections. 500 milligrams three times a day are enough to fight this herpes virus.

Source: Daily Nutrition News